This weekend, the 6-foot-5 actor most recognized from his title role in the 1992 film "Candyman" will be in Wilmington to help raise money for the nonprofit Browncoat Pub and Theatre.

The Browncoat, a 50-seat theater in downtown Wilmington, offers emerging artists an opportunity to present new works to a live audience. The money raised from Todd's appearances will help fund the second half of Browncoat's theater season.

Richard Davis, proprietor of the Browncoat, acknowledges that his company runs on a tight budget.

"I've been called a cheapskate many, many times," Davis said. "Sometimes with a smile, sometimes without a smile."

In operation for six years, the Browncoat is still building sets with lumber from the first show, he said.

Todd has no connection to the Browncoat beyond his passion for grassroots theater and creativity. He does have a connection to Wilmington, though. He played Grange in 1994 movie "The Crow," a film that was a box office success but is possibly best known for the accidental death of actor Brandon Lee during filming. Lee was on the cusp of stardom when he was shot with a real bullet instead of a blank.

"He was full of life, always had a smile on his face," Todd said.

Todd was not on set when Lee died. During their months on set, they spent plenty of down time shooting pool at a local pool hall, Todd said. Those are some of the fond memories of Wilmington that Todd retains.

"I have some great memories," said Todd, whose mother is from Charlotte. "Beautiful people, great food."

The Browncoat fundraiser includes three events – an autograph signing, a dinner, and a karaoke after-party. Todd will graciously sign autographs, and he'll be a charming dinner guest. He will not, however, be the star of the karaoke party, he said.

He was once asked to star on stage in "Man of La Mancha" and spent 48 hours working with a voice coach, but didn't do the show.

"I love music, but carrying a note to the completion of a bridge is not my forte," Todd said. "I have a voice like a frog stepped on by a buffalo."

It's that kind of humor and humility that makes the Candyman so approachable.

"I have an easy time disarming people," said Todd, whose mother used "The Andy Griffith Show" to teach him lessons in behavior and morality.

Todd is squeezing his Wilmington weekend into a busy schedule that includes 12 productions that are in various stages of pre-production, filming or post-production. And that doesn't include his role as Gus Rogan on the long-running soap opera "The Young and the Restless."

<p>Tony Todd, who has played an intimidating figure in scores of TV and film roles, has a soft spot for theater and original works. </p><p>This weekend, the 6-foot-5 actor most recognized from his title role in the 1992 film "Candyman" will be in Wilmington to help raise money for the nonprofit Browncoat Pub and Theatre. </p><p>The Browncoat, a 50-seat theater in downtown Wilmington, offers emerging artists an opportunity to present new works to a live audience. The money raised from Todd's appearances will help fund the second half of Browncoat's theater season.</p><p>Richard Davis, proprietor of the Browncoat, acknowledges that his company runs on a tight budget.</p><p>"I've been called a cheapskate many, many times," Davis said. "Sometimes with a smile, sometimes without a smile."</p><p>In operation for six years, the Browncoat is still building sets with lumber from the first show, he said.</p><p>Todd has no connection to the Browncoat beyond his passion for grassroots theater and creativity. He does have a connection to Wilmington, though. He played Grange in 1994 movie "The Crow," a film that was a box office success but is possibly best known for the accidental death of actor Brandon Lee during filming. Lee was on the cusp of stardom when he was shot with a real bullet instead of a blank. </p><p>"He was full of life, always had a smile on his face," Todd said.</p><p>Todd was not on set when Lee died. During their months on set, they spent plenty of down time shooting pool at a local pool hall, Todd said. Those are some of the fond memories of Wilmington that Todd retains.</p><p>"I have some great memories," said Todd, whose mother is from Charlotte. "Beautiful people, great food."</p><p>The Browncoat fundraiser includes three events – an autograph signing, a dinner, and a karaoke after-party. Todd will graciously sign autographs, and he'll be a charming dinner guest. He will not, however, be the star of the karaoke party, he said.</p><p>He was once asked to star on stage in "Man of La Mancha" and spent 48 hours working with a voice coach, but didn't do the show.</p><p>"I love music, but carrying a note to the completion of a bridge is not my forte," Todd said. "I have a voice like a frog stepped on by a buffalo."</p><p>It's that kind of humor and humility that makes the Candyman so approachable.</p><p>"I have an easy time disarming people," said Todd, whose mother used "The Andy Griffith Show" to teach him lessons in behavior and morality.</p><p>Todd is squeezing his Wilmington weekend into a busy schedule that includes 12 productions that are in various stages of pre-production, filming or post-production. And that doesn't include his role as Gus Rogan on the long-running soap opera "The Young and the Restless."</p><p><a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic87"><b>Mike Voorheis</b></a>: 343-2205</p>